Since October 2014, nurses trained outside the European Economic Area who are seeking UK registration must pass the NMC test of competence. In 2021, a new version of the test was introduced. This test consists of two parts, and it measures applicants against ‘Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses’ (2018). It asse

Since October 2014, nurses trained outside the European Economic Area who are seeking UK registration must pass the NMC test of competence. In 2021, a new version of the test was introduced. This test consists of two parts, and it measures applicants against ‘Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses’ (2018). It assesses the essential professional knowledge, skills and attitudes required for safe and effective nursing practice in the UK.

Nursing in the UK is made up of separate and distinct fields of practice, each requiring three years of pre-registration undergraduate education.

The distinct nursing fields of practice are:

• adult nursing

• children’s nursing

• learning disabilities nursing

• mental health nursing.

The test of competence is specific to the appropriate nursing field and always consists of two parts. Test blueprints are available on our website with links to online resources, which will help applicants to prepare for the test of competence. We do not endorse any course or training provider offering preparation materials for the test.

Part 1 is a computer-based test (CBT). The CBT contains a numeracy test (which consists of short-answer questions requiring a numerical answer), objective questions and a theory test (which is multiple choice). The CBT can be taken at a Pearson VUE test centre, available in most countries around the world.

Candidates will be given a short tutorial on how to use the computer before starting the examination. The CBT comprises 115 questions. All questions are scored as correct or incorrect, and there is no partial credit. Part A will comprise a 15-mark numeracy assessment. Part B will be a 100-mark theory assessment.

The length of the CBT is 3 hours, and this includes any breaks from testing, which are optional.

Part 2 is a nursing objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) – a practical nursing examination. The OSCE is available in the UK only, at a designated test centre. The candidate booklet and details for the OSCE are available from the test centres’ websites.

The CBT and OSCE can be taken in any order.

Nurses seeking registration in the UK should ensure that they have read and understood the requirements for registering as a nurse in the UK before starting the application process.

The test of competence requires candidates to complete an online application process. You can register on our website. Once the NMC has told you that you need to take the test of competence, you can book your CBT with Pearson VUE.

All candidates take the CBT under formal standardised examination conditions in a Pearson VUE test centre.

All candidates are required to adhere to the candidate and test centre rules in the test centre and while sitting the CBT. Please note that if you do not follow the rules or the instructions of the test administrator (TA), your examination result may be withheld or cancelled, and your examination fee may not be refunded.

The test centre will always inform us if a candidate does not comply with the rules, and the candidate may be subject to a misconduct investigation.

The test administrator will monitor candidates throughout their CBT and the test centre will always inform us if a candidate does not comply with the rules. Any misconduct including suspicion of cheating, fraud, or collusion before, during or after your CBT will be thoroughly investigated. This may result in your CBT result being revoked and affect your application to the Register or may result in Applicants being asked to attend a hearing.

Should the circumstances of candidate malpractice constitute violations of law, details of their conduct along with supporting evidence may be reported to law enforcement. Law enforcement could then investigate these actions as criminal activities, resulting in additional significant consequences.